Apparatus for cleaning golf equipment

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for cleaning golf equipment is provided. The apparatus includes a brush head assembly having a brush head having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the brush head having bristles, and a neck connected to the brush head, the neck having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The apparatus also includes an ultrasonic transducer in vibratory communication with the bristles. The apparatus also includes a handle connected to the proximal portion of the neck, wherein the handle houses a power source in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to apparatus for cleaning golf equipment.

BACKGROUND

Golf brushes clear away dirt, grass and other debris from the surface of golf equipment, such as the clubface of golf clubs. Clearing away debris from the club face is important for golf club performance. For example, grooves on a clubface should be kept clean to facilitate proper frictional engagement with the golf ball surface for imparting backspin. Apparatus with improved efficacy and efficiency for cleaning golf equipment are desirable.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for cleaning golf equipment is provided. The apparatus comprises: a brush head assembly comprising a brush head comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the brush head comprising bristles, and a neck connected to the brush head, the neck comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion; an ultrasonic transducer in vibratory communication with the bristles; and a handle connected to the proximal portion of the neck, wherein the handle houses a power source in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer.

The handle or the brush head assembly may house the ultrasonic transducer.

The distal portion of the neck may be narrower than the handle and the brush head. A width of the distal portion of the neck may be less than one half of a width of the handle, the width of the distal portion of the neck may be less than one half of a major dimension of the brush head, and a thickness of the distal portion of the neck may be less than one quarter of a thickness of the handle.

The handle may be detachably connected to the proximal end of the neck.

The apparatus may further comprise a shaft extending from the ultrasonic transducer to at least some of the bristles through hollow portions of the handle, the neck and the brush head to enhance vibratory communication between the ultrasonic transducer and the at least some of the bristles.

The brush head may comprise a major dimension and a minor dimension, wherein the major dimension may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the major dimension may be at least twice the minor dimension.

The major dimension may be at least 4.5 cm and the minor dimension may be at least 2 cm.

The brush head may be connected to a lower surface of the neck.

The brush head may be detachably connected to the lower surface of the neck.

The brush head may be slidably connected to the lower surface of the neck.

The brush head further may comprise a scraper fixed adjacent to or along an edge of the brush head. The scraper may be fixed adjacent to or along a distal edge of the brush head. The scraper may comprise a rectangular, tapered blade. The scraper may span up to a major dimension of the brush head. The scraper may extend at an upward angle relative to a central plane of the brush head. A tapered edge of the scraper may have a thickness of less than 0.9 mm.

The neck extends from an upper position to a lower position in the proximal to distal direction, wherein a central plane of the brush head may be lower than a central plane of the handle by at least 2 cm.

The diameter of each bristle of the brush head ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.

The second array of bristles may be disposed on the upper surface of the brush head or an upper surface of the neck.

The ultrasonic transducer may comprise an electric motor, wherein transfer means transfer rotation of a shaft of the electric motor to at least some of the bristles, and wherein translation means translate the rotation of the shaft into a rotary and/or reciprocating linear motion of the at least some of the bristles, the transfer means and translation means comprising one or more suitably configured shafts and/or gears.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In drawings which show non-limiting embodiments of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf brush according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of a golf brush according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a right side view of a golf brush according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a cutaway right side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

Certain directional conventions are employed in this specification to help clarify their meaning, as follows. The term “proximal” means a position or orientation closer to or toward the free end of the handle of the golf brush, and the term “distal” means a position or orientation closer to or toward the free end of the brush head of the golf brush. The term “upper” means a position or orientation closer to or toward the opposite direction as the direction in which the bristles of the golf brush extend, and the term “lower” means a position or orientation closer to or toward the same direction as the direction in which the bristles of the golf brush extend.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a golf brush 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. Golf brush 10 has a brush head assembly 20 connected to a handle 22. Brush head assembly 20 includes a brush head 24 and a neck 26.

Brush head assembly 20 is detachably connected to handle 22. Detachable connection is provided by the mating of tab 28 and notch 30. In some embodiments, the detachable connection may be provided by any suitable means, for example by mating of corresponding threaded elements. Detachability of brush head assembly 20 permits switching out brush head assembly 20 for example when bristles 34 wear out, or when a brush head assembly 20 with different features (e.g. different brush head size, different bristle material, etc.) is desired. In some embodiments, brush head assembly 20 is integrally formed with, and not detachable from, handle 22.

Brush head 24 has an upper surface 31 and a lower surface 32. A plurality of bristles 34 extend from lower surface 32. Bristles 34 may for example be formed of metal, plastic, or any other suitably stiff and resilient material, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional diameter of individual bristles 34 is less than about 0.9 mm, which is the maximum width of a groove of a typical golf clubface. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional diameter of individual bristles 34 ranges from about 0.4 mm to about 0.8 mm.

Brush head 24 has a major dimension 36 and a minor dimension 38 perpendicular to major dimension 36. Major dimension 36 is at least twice the length of minor dimension 38. In some embodiments, major dimension 36 may be less than twice the length of minor dimension 38. Major dimension 36 is at least 4.5 cm, and minor dimension 38 is at least 2 cm. In some embodiments, major dimension 36 may be less than 4.5 cm, and minor dimension 38 may be less than 2 cm. Major dimension 36 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 40 of handle 22, and minor dimension 38 is parallel to longitudinal axis 40 of handle 22. In some embodiments, major dimension 36 may not be perpendicular to longitudinal axis 40 of handle 22, and minor dimension 38 may not be parallel to longitudinal axis 40 of handle 22.

Neck 26 has a distal portion 42 and a proximal portion 44. Distal portion 42 is connected to brush head 24. Distal portion 42 is narrower than both handle 22 and brush head 24. The narrowing of neck 26 at distal portion 42 leverages transmission of ultrasonic vibrations (as described below) from handle 22 to brush head 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the width W_(N) of distal portion 42 of neck 26 is less than the width W_(H) of handle 22. In some embodiments, width W_(N) is less than one half, one third, or one quarter of width W_(H).

As shown in FIG. 3, width W_(N) is also less than major dimension 36 of brush head 24. In some embodiments, width W_(N) is less than one half, one third, or one quarter of major dimension 36.

As shown in FIG. 4, the thickness T_(N) of distal portion 42 of neck 26 is less than the thickness T_(H) of handle 22. In some embodiments, thickness T_(N) is less than one half, one quarter, one sixth, or one eighth of thickness T_(H).

Distal portion 42 may have a relatively flat cross-section, as also shown in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 as distal portions 142, 242. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio (width to thickness) of a cross-section of distal portion 42 may be at least 4:1, or at least 3:1, or at least 2:1.

Proximal portion 44 of neck 26 flares out in the proximal direction to detachably connect to handle 22. Proximal portion 44 has an axial depression (not shown) for receiving a correspondingly shaped axial protrusion 46 of handle 22. The axial depression and axial protrusion 46 fittingly mate to provide a mechanically strong connection between brush head assembly 20 and handle 22. This mechanically strong connection facilitates efficient transmission of ultrasonic vibrations from handle 22 to bristles 34 of brush head 24.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, neck 26 extends from a relatively upper position at proximal portion 44 to a relatively lower position at distal portion 42 such that a central plane P_(H) of handle 22 is lower than a central plane P_(B) of brush head 24. In some embodiments, central plane P_(H) is lower than central plane P_(B) by at least 1 cm, or at least 2 cm, or at least 3 cm.

Handle 22 comprises a hollow interior for housing an ultrasonic transducer 48 and a power source 50. Power source 50 provides electrical power to ultrasonic transducer 48. Power source 50 may for example be a battery pack. Sufficient physical interfaces between components of handle 22 and brush head assembly 20 are provided to ensure efficient vibratory communication between ultrasonic transducer 48 and bristles 34 of brush head 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, ultrasonic transducer 48 is disposed in a proximal portion 52 of handle 22 for direct, or at least close, contact between ultrasonic transducer 48 and axial protrusion 46.

On/off switch 56 is located on handle 22. Switch 56 may be located on the lower surface of handle 22, that is, the same side as bristles 34, for convenient operation. Switch 56 is in electrical communication with power source 50 and ultrasonic transducer 48 for the user to actuate ultrasonic transducer 48 when desired.

An eyelet 54 is disposed at a proximal end of handle 22. Eyelet 54 can be used for example to attach golf brush 10 to a retractor mechanism (not shown). The retractor mechanism in turn can be attached to an external article such as a golf bag or golf cart for convenient storage and access to golf brush 10.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a golf brush 100 according to another embodiment. The features and functions of golf brush 100 correspond to the features and functions of golf brush 10 except golf brush 100 additionally includes a scraper 170 fixed adjacent or along a distal edge 172 of brush head 124. Scraper 170 is shaped as a rectangular, tapered blade. The width of scraper 170 extends parallel to a major dimension 136 of brush head 124. Scraper 170 may span up to major dimension 136. In some embodiments, scraper 170 spans less than major dimension 136. Scraper 170 extends at an upward angle from a plane P_(B) of brush head 124. In some embodiments scraper 170 extends along the same plane as plane P_(B). Scraper 170 is constructed of a rigid, resilient material such as a plastic, rubber, or metal. In some embodiments scraper 170 may be constructed of a rigid, non-resilient material.

In some embodiments scraper 170 tapers to a sharp edge 176 sized to fit within, and thereby clear debris from, a groove a typical golf clubface. Accordingly the thickness of edge 176 may in some embodiments be configured to be less than 0.9 mm. In some embodiments edge 176 of scraper 170 may have a thickness greater than 0.9 mm and thus not configured to fit within clubface grooves.

In operation, a user may hang golf brush 10, 100 from a golf bag using a retractor mechanism attached to eyelet 54, 154. When required for use, a user can grasp golf brush 10, 100 by handle 22, 122 and direct it toward a clubface of a golf club in need of cleaning. The user may first use scraper 170 to scrape off larger debris from the clubface. At this point the user may turn on ultrasonic transducer 48 using switch 56 so that scraper 170 undergoes ultrasonic vibrations to assist in clearing away the larger debris. Once the larger debris is cleared, the user can use ultrasonically vibrating bristles 34 to loosen and brush away finer debris in the clubface grooves. The user may also employ edge 176 of scraper 170 to remove finer debris from the clubface grooves. Brush assembly 20,120 may be switched as needed by detaching the original brush assembly from handle 22,122 and attaching a new brush assembly.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show a golf brush 200 according to another embodiment. The features and functions of golf brush 200 correspond to the features and functions of golf brush 10 and 100 except for certain differences including the design of neck 226 and brush head 224 of golf brush 200. Instead of brush assembly 220 detaching between neck 226 and handle 222, neck 226 and handle 222 are integrally formed. Instead, neck 226 has a lower surface 227 to which replaceable brush head 224 detachably connects. Brush head 224 slidably connects to lower surface 227. In some embodiments brush head 224 may not be replaceable and instead is affixed to or integral with lower surface 227. A scraper (not shown) as described herein may be disposed on a suitable location on brush head 224 or neck 227.

This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. For example:

-   -   efficiency of the transmission of vibrations from the ultrasonic         transducer to the bristles may be increased by providing a rigid         shaft (not shown) extending through hollow portions of the         handle, neck and brush head to directly connect the ultrasonic         transducer to at least some of the bristles.     -   the ultrasonic transducer may comprise a piezoelectric         transducer or a capacitive transducer.     -   the ultrasonic transducer may comprise an electric motor with an         off-centered mass on its shaft for generating ultrasonic         vibrations. In some such embodiments the rotation of the motor's         shaft may be transferred and translated by suitable known means,         such as suitably configured gears and/or shafts disposed between         the motor shaft and at least some of the bristles, to rotary         and/or reciprocating linear (i.e. sweeping) motion of those         bristles (additionally or alternatively to the vibratory motion         imparted on the bristles by the motor).     -   the ultrasonic transducer may be located in the brush assembly         (e.g. in the neck or in the brush head) instead of the handle,         while still in electrical communication with the power source.         For example, with reference to FIG. 9, some embodiments may have         ultrasonic transducer 248 disposed within neck 226 or brush head         224 instead of within housing 222.     -   there may be bristles additional to the bristles on the lower         surface of the brush head. One or more additional arrays of         bristles may be disposed on other locations of the brush head         assembly, such as one or more side edges of the brush head, an         upper surface of the brush head, and/or an upper surface of the         neck. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to be in vibratory         communication with each such additional array of bristles. For         example, with reference to brush 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, a second         array of bristles may be disposed on upper surface 31, in a         direction opposite bristles 34 on lower surface 32. As another         example, with reference to brush 200 shown in FIGS. 7-9, a         second array of bristles may be disposed on an upper surface of         neck 226, in a direction opposite bristles 234.

Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the description, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. cm 1. Apparatus for cleaning golf equipment comprising:

-   -   a brush head assembly comprising:         -   a brush head comprising an upper surface and a lower             surface, the lower surface of the brush head comprising             bristles;         -   a neck connected to the brush head, the neck comprising a             proximal portion and a distal portion;     -   an ultrasonic transducer in vibratory communication with the         bristles; and     -   a handle connected to the proximal portion of the neck, wherein         the handle houses a power source in electrical communication         with the ultrasonic transducer. 

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the handle houses the ultrasonic transducer.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the brush head assembly houses the ultrasonic transducer.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the distal portion of the neck is narrower than the handle and the brush head.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a width of the distal portion of the neck is less than one half of a width of the handle, the width of the distal portion of the neck is less than one half of a major dimension of the brush head, and a thickness of the distal portion of the neck is less than one quarter of a thickness of the handle.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the handle is detachably connected to the proximal end of the neck.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a shaft extending from the ultrasonic transducer to at least some of the bristles through hollow portions of the handle, the neck and the brush head to enhance vibratory communication between the ultrasonic transducer and the at least some of the bristles.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the brush head comprises a major dimension and a minor dimension, wherein the major dimension is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the major dimension is at least twice the minor dimension.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the major dimension is at least 4.5 cm and the minor dimension is at least 2 cm.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the brush head is connected to a lower surface of the neck.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the brush head is detachably connected to the lower surface of the neck.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the brush head is slidably connected to the lower surface of the neck.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the brush head further comprises a scraper fixed adjacent to or along an edge of the brush head.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the scraper is fixed adjacent to or along a distal edge of the brush head.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the scraper comprises a rectangular, tapered blade.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the scraper spans up to a major dimension of the brush head.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the scraper extends at an upward angle relative to a central plane of the brush head.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a tapered edge of the scraper has a thickness of less than 0.9 mm.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the neck extends from an upper position to a lower position in the proximal to distal direction, wherein a central plane of the brush head is lower than a central plane of the handle by at least 2 cm.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of each bristle of the brush head ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.
 21. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second array of bristles is disposed on the upper surface of the brush head or an upper surface of the neck.
 22. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the ultrasonic transducer comprises an electric motor, wherein transfer means transfer rotation of a shaft of the electric motor to at least some of the bristles, and wherein translation means translate the rotation of the shaft into a rotary and/or reciprocating linear motion of the at least some of the bristles, the transfer means and translation means comprising one or more suitably configured shafts and/or gears. 